11 Best Whale Watching Spots and Tours on the Gold Coast [+ Local Tips!]
Ah, Queensland—a gem in Australia where awesome things happen. I mean, you can go out of the house (or hotel), walk to a lookout point, and see majestic whales jumping out of the water!
It’s no wonder the Gold Coast attracts thousands of tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants. But where do you go, exactly?
Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered! We’ve seen these magnificent whales during the migrating season, and we’ve got the places and tours that will give you a higher chance of seeing them, along with other marine animals!
The Spit, Main Beach
– Media credit: cityofgoldcoast
Location: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Admission: Free
If you want a free whale watching spot on the Gold Coast, head over to the 5 km long stretch of The Spit! It’s north of Main Beach and extends all the way where Broadwater and the Pacific Ocean meet.
The long stretch puts you right over the water, giving you the perfect viewing position to spot whales during the season. Walk on the pier to get closer to Humpback Highway, which is the migration route.
Bring your binoculars for a closer look if you’re not joining a boat tour. You may even find a pod of dolphins from May to September.
Pro Tip:
Bring your furry companion to the dog beach after watching the whales. There are plenty of areas to relax in afterwards— head to the northern section for the cafe and washrooms.
Elephant Rock
– Media credit: cityofgoldcoast
Location: Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Admission: Free
Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach is a prime spot to spot whales on land. Just climb up the stairs to reach the scenic platform, which is on top of a rock formation that was the result of volcanic activity.
This is a famous spot for sightseeing. There’s even a pair of coin-operated binoculars so you can see the whales from afar— just don’t forget to bring coins!
From the viewing platform, you’ll also see epic views of Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. Keep in mind that there’s no accessible option to get to the lookout, so individuals with mobility issues cannot climb up.
Pro Tip:
Bring an extra pair (or two!) of binoculars so the whole group can see the whales. It’ll prevent you from missing anything, especially when the whales are jumping out of the water!
Burleigh Hill
– Media credit: theburleighhill
Location: Burleigh Heads
Admission: Free
One of the best free whale watching spots on the Gold Coast is Burleigh Hill, a popular and family-friendly destination. It’s located next to Burleigh Beach, a well-known sunbathing spot for both locals and tourists.
Burleigh Hill is a green grassy area. You’ll basically walk up the hill to get a vantage point to watch the whales—you can see migrating humpback whales, as well as mothers with their calves.
Grab your blanket, picnic basket, and binoculars! In case you don’t see whales, you can still enjoy a nice picnic with the whole family while watching surfers ride the waves (Burleigh Heads is a popular surfing spot, too!).
Pro Tip:
Avoid the weekends if you want to avoid large crowds. This is a popular beach, so expect to find loads of people walking up the hill and sunbathing on the beach.
Fingal Head Lookout/Lighthouse
– Media credit: sunnburnnt
Location: Fingal Head, New South Wales
Admission: Free
The Fingal Head Lookout is located in New South Wales, near the Queensland border. It still remains a family-friendly whale watching spot because if you stand near the lighthouse, you’ll get to see humpbacks and dolphins jumping out of the water.
It does get a bit windy, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the weather—bring a hat or hair tie so you can watch the whales and dolphins uninterrupted!
Bring binoculars to catch majestic marine creatures. You can do some bird watching as well!
Pro Tips:
If you want a morning stroll or want to head to the beach after whale watching, you can walk straight to Fingal Head Beach and to Letitia Spit. The walk will take an hour or so.
The walk is on a sandy road, so bring sunglasses and a mask to shield your eyes and mouth.
Tumgun Lookout
– Media credit: vatorat73
Location: Burleigh Head National Park, Burleigh Heads
Admission: Free
One of the best Gold Coast lookout points is located in Burleigh Heads National Park. Tumgun Lookout is a scenic observation deck that gives you unobstructed views of the coast and the ocean.
To reach the top, you need to walk the 1.7 km Rainforest Circuit at Burleigh Headland. The trail is a loop that’s fairly easy to stroll in but can be moderately challenging for beginners due to the elevation gain.
On the way to the lookout, you’ll likely encounter various kinds of wildlife, such as koalas, lizards, and birds. After that, you can have a good vantage point to watch the migrating whales—the expansive views mean you’ll see the paths they’ll take.
Pro Tip:
Watch out for little creatures because the trail is surrounded by the forest. Keep an eye out for snakes and keep your distance from wild animals, especially if you have kids with you.
Point Danger Lookout
– Media credit: 3littleaussieadventurers
Location: Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta
Admission: Free
Situated on the southern tip of the Gold Coast, Point Danger Lookout is a stunning cliff top destination that overlooks Duranbah Beach. Your trip here doesn’t end in whale watching; you can also enjoy the beach and go on a picnic with the family!
You can spot whales in this area from June to October, while mothers and calves are usually seen at the end of the migrating season. Bring your binoculars because the views extend as far as the eye can see!
Basically, you need to walk up the hill first before reaching the lookout. During your stroll, you may spot some Australian water dragons chilling on the rocks.
Pro Tip:
If you want to visit another Queensland destination, take a short walk to Snapper Rocks, a small rocky outcrop. You can also stop by Froggies Beach, a small beach popular with the locals.
Kirra Hill Lookout
– Media credit: mitchellpettigrew
Location: 6 McLean St, Coolangatta
Admission: Free
Kirra Hill Lookout is a family-friendly whale watching destination in Queensland. The best part is you don’t have to spend a dollar to reach this stunning place.
The viewing platform rests on top of a hill, providing views of Coolangatta, Surfers Paradise, and the Hinterland. You’ll have a higher chance of seeing majestic whales from May to August when they’re on their way to North Queensland.
Kirra Hill has plenty of amenities for locals and tourists. It’s also close to various attractions and a short walk away from shops and restaurants in Coolangatta.
Pro Tip:
If you want to skip the steep climb from Coolangatta to the lookout, you can drive to the parking lot instead. However, it fills up quickly, so avoid late afternoons when many families drop by for a picnic.
Sea World Cruise
– Media credit: seaworldcruises
Location: Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: +61 (07) 5539 9299, [email protected]
Rates:
- Adult (14+): $119
- Child (3 – 13): $79
- Family: $396
The seaside resort town of Surfers Paradise is a prime spot for whale watching tours. You’ll find Sea World Cruise here, which will take you to Humpback Highway (a migration route for humpbacks) to see beautiful whales up close.
This cruise guarantees you a whale sighting because whales migrate from late May to early November. Aside from whales, you can also see dolphins, sea turtles, and other interesting creatures!
Part of the experience is the live underwater footage, which you can watch straight from your mobile phone. And if you want a more VIP experience, you can upgrade to the Spirit of Migaloo II for more luxurious seating.
Pro Tips:
Check the weather app for chances of rain. If there is, bring a poncho to avoid purchasing your own at the check-in counter.
If you’re planning a trip for the following year, check the website for possible discounts!
Whales In Paradise
– Media credit: whalesinparadise
Location: 10a Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact:
- Australia: (07) 5538 2111
- International: +61 7 5538 2111
- Email: [email protected]
Rates:
- Adult: $119
- Child (3 – 13): $79
- Infant (0 – 2): Free
- Family: $396
Whales In Paradise is a go-to for eco-friendly whale watching experiences. Their vessels have low emissions and are designed to absorb and reduce acoustical noise to prevent whale disturbance.
The small vessels also mean fewer crowds. Not only will you have an intimate encounter with gorgeous humpback whales in Queensland, you’ll also get to listen to their sounds via underwater hydrophones!
This 3-hour cruise offers uninterrupted views of the ocean, so you can see them from any side of the boat. The tour also includes an educational commentary while on your way to Humpback Highway.
Then, you can watch whales, dolphins, and other marine animals. This whale watching tour 100% guarantees you’ll see a whale, or you can come back again for free!
Pro Tip:
Since you’re boarding a small vessel, better take your motion sickness medication beforehand. You can ask the staff which kind you can purchase or go to the local pharmacy at least a couple of days before the tour.
Spirit of Gold Coast
– Media credit: spiritofgoldcoastwhalewatching
Location: 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: 61 (07) 5572 7755
Rates:
- Adult: $99
- Students/Seniors: $79
- Children (4 – 14): $59
- Under 4: Free
If you’re looking for a not-too-expensive whale watching tour, Spirit of Gold Coast is worth checking out. The rates are under $100 per person for a 2.5 to 3-hour time on the boat.
It’s also ideal if you want an educational whale watching cruise. A marine biologist will join you aboard and will give you a full commentary about everything you need to know about humpback whale migration.
The vessel has upper and lower viewing decks so you can see magnificent marine wildlife. Some animals you have a chance of seeing are sharks, orcas (very rare, though!), dolphins, flying fish, and sea turtles.
Fun fact: they’ve seen Migaloo for 3 consecutive years in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Migaloo is the elusive all-white humpback whale, which was first sighted in 1991 near Byron Bay.
Pro Tip:
Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes that have good traction on a wet floor. If you get cold easily, bring a warmer coat because the ocean breeze does get chilly.
Boattime Yacht Charters
– Media credit: boattimeyachtcharters
Location: 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: 61 477 667 644, [email protected]
Rates:
- Adult: $99
- Kids: $69
Boattime Yacht Charters is a whale tour operator that offers luxury experiences. You’ll board a superyacht with rotating viewing decks for the most incredible scenery to see the ocean’s gentle giants!
There are two yachts: Mermaid Spirit and Sun Goddess. Both are spacious enough to give room for over 100 guests to move around.
Tea is provided, but you can purchase snacks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks at the bar. If you’re bringing your kids, there’s an info sheet and colouring book you can purchase.
Pro Tip:
If you forgot your seasickness medication and maybe you’re starting to get dizzy, you can purchase some on the yacht.
What to Bring and Expect on a Whale Watching Tour
– Media credit: goldcoast
Even though you’re only watching whales, you still need to prepare. Here are the essentials you must remember for a stress-free and smoother whale watching experience on the Gold Coast:
- Bring a windproof jacket. The ocean breeze gets chilly, so you can stay warm with a light jacket or remove it if you get hot.
- Wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes. Whale watching tours on the ocean means you’ll be riding the waves, so avoid shoes without traction to prevent slipping.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bring binoculars and a camera. To protect the whales, Queensland’s rule is to stay at least 100 m away from whales. So bring binoculars to see them up close and make sure your camera’s settings are good to go to get the perfect shot!
- Stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle with you and some snacks. Ask the tour operator first if they allow snacks on board since some include these in the pricing.
- Bring motion sickness medication. If you get seasick or if it’s your first time going on a whale watching tour, it’s better to bring medication to avoid nausea and vomiting.